PARENTS AS CARING GARDENERS
“Daisy and Suzie danced the summer away.
They grew strong.
They were beautiful.
They were thankful for
caring gardeners.”
This is an excerpt from a children’s book titled
Go Daisy, Grow written by Ruth Ann Willius. The story engages readers in cheering on a daisy – from seed, through a rough period of struggles, to a second chance when she’s finally given the attention and nourishment she needs to reach her full, beautiful potential.
I received a copy of the book and love it on many levels. First, Ruth, the author, worked at Especially for Children for over 20 years and was my soul mate as we decided how best to develop a program to educate and nurture young children. It is so exciting to see how Ruth’s experience as a teacher and manager have come together with her love of nature and her skill as a parent educator to create this wonderful story.
The illustrations in the book are all done by sixth graders from Scandia Elementary School. The art is amazing, and the collaboration that took place between Ruth and the students makes the book a truly unique creation.
As Mother’s Day approaches I was thinking about this book’s timely message about the importance of nurture. Just as Daisy was able to achieve her dreams when she was given care and attention, our children are given the opportunities they need to reach their full potential through the adults in their lives who act as “
caring gardeners.”
From her years of being a mother, a teacher and a parent educator, as well as an avid gardener, Ruth has developed a simple formula that I would like to share with you.
Good Beginnings + Patience + Knowledge + A loving caregiver = Successful Growth
By being a “
caring gardener” for your child, you will dance together as dreams are achieved!
